🔹 Job Title: Freelance Creative Director
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 14, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading creative teams to deliver high-quality work.
- Managing workflow, assignments, and resources.
- Collaborating with clients, account management, and planning teams.
- Presenting and selling creative ideas to clients and stakeholders.
- Contributing to new business efforts and representing the agency professionally.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong creative vision, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and inspire teams to develop work. Collaborate with team members to create compelling campaigns and ensure high-quality output.
✅ Able to sell through big ideas. Persuade clients and stakeholders to adopt creative concepts and strategies.
✅ Guide the quality and standards of work for reporting teams. Ensure that creative executions meet the highest standard of craftsmanship.
✅ Manage workflow, timing, and assignments of reporting teams. Coordinate resources and maintain project timelines to meet deadlines.
✅ Work with the Creative Manager to select and assign resources as necessary. Collaborate with the creative manager to ensure optimal resource allocation.
✅ Participates in and approve creative briefs as prepared by Account Management and/or Planning. Review and provide feedback on creative briefs to ensure they align with client objectives.
✅ Partner with Creative Manager and Account Management to set priorities when scheduling/timetable conflicts develop among assignments and creative staff. Collaborate with relevant teams to resolve scheduling conflicts and maintain project momentum.
✅ Review and approve all creative work before presentations internally and to client. Ensure that all work meets the required quality and brand standards.
✅ Develop relationships and maintain contact with key clients. Build and maintain strong client relationships to foster repeat business and positive referrals.
✅ Work on creative assignments within or outside of creative group. Contribute to various creative projects as needed.
✅ Lead and/or participate in New Business efforts as needed. Support the new business team in pitching and winning new accounts.
✅ Professionally represent the agency in interaction with clients, staff, outside vendors, and other contacts. Maintain a positive image of the agency in all professional interactions.
ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills to effectively manage teams, collaborate with clients, and drive creative projects to successful completion.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Advertising, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in creative direction, with a proven track record of leading successful campaigns.
Required Skills:
- Strong conceptual thinking and creative ability.
- Expertise in MAC software and Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
- Excellent management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to sell through big ideas and influence stakeholders.
- Experience working with clients, account management, and planning teams.
- Familiarity with the advertising industry and relevant trends.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific industry verticals (e.g., automotive, finance, CPG, pharma, etc.).
- Knowledge of specific client accounts or market segments.
- Familiarity with specific creative tools or software (e.g., Sketch, Figma, After Effects, etc.).
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating their creative ability and relevant industry experience will be prioritized.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $62.50 USD per hour (based on industry standards for a freelance creative director role in New York, NY)
Benefits:
- Medical and dental coverage.
- 401(k) plans.
- Flex spending.
- Life insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Employee discount program.
- Employee stock purchase program.
- Paid family benefits.
- Discretionary time off days.
- Company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days.
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling based on project needs.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and market conditions. Benefits may be subject to change or may not be applicable to freelance positions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1930 (as part of Interpublic Group)
Company Description:
IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative, and Mediahub, and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors, including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at [www.ipgmediabrands.com](http://www.ipgmediabrands.com).
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online
- Mobile
- Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: [www.ipgmediabrands.com](http://www.ipgmediabrands.com)
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development. The company's diverse portfolio of clients and industry expertise provides creative professionals with a wide range of projects and challenges.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior/Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Manager or similar role, with potential oversight of junior creative team members.
Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid work arrangement, with flexibility for remote work based on project needs.
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities to lead and mentor junior creative team members.
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role with experience.
- Exposure to diverse clients and industries, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
ASSUMPTION: The role offers ample opportunities for career growth and development within the agency and the broader advertising industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with open-plan work areas and dedicated creative studios.
Office Location(s):
- 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US
- Calle de Enrique Jardiel Poncela, 6, Madrid, Community of Madrid 28016, ES
Geographic Context:
- New York, NY: A vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving advertising and marketing industry.
- Madrid, Spain: A major European hub for advertising, marketing, and creative industries.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible scheduling based on project needs and deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment offers a dynamic and creative atmosphere, with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission.
2. Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or HR representative.
3. In-person or virtual portfolio presentation and creative challenge.
4. Final interview with the creative manager or similar role and potentially other stakeholders.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to present and sell creative ideas.
- Leadership and management skills.
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative ability and leadership skills.
- Practice presenting your creative ideas and be ready to discuss your thought process.
- Research the company and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their brand and industry.
ASSUMPTION: The interview process focuses on assessing the candidate's creative skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit within the agency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- MAC operating system
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA, etc.)
- Presentation software (e.g., Keynote, PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.)
- Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies may vary depending on the specific project or client needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration: We believe in the power of collective genius and the strength of our diverse teams.
- Creativity: We foster an environment where innovative thinking and bold ideas are encouraged and celebrated.
- Curiosity: We embrace a culture of continuous learning and exploration, driving us to stay at the forefront of our industry.
- Courage: We empower our employees to take risks, learn from failures, and grow both personally and professionally.
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on open communication and knowledge-sharing.
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Encourages work-life balance and flexible scheduling to support employee well-being.
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do your creative approach and leadership style align with the company's values?
2. How do you handle working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
3. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to sell a creative idea to a difficult client or stakeholder?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of the company's values and a willingness to embrace its work culture will be well-suited for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Managing client expectations: Balancing client demands with creative vision and maintaining high-quality standards.
2. Team dynamics: Navigating team dynamics and ensuring effective collaboration among creative team members.
3. Workload fluctuations: Managing varying project workloads and adjusting to shifting priorities and deadlines.
4. Industry trends: Staying current with industry trends and adapting to changes in client needs and market demands.
ASSUMPTION: Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a deep understanding of the advertising industry and its clients.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. Creative Director vs. Art Director/Copywriter: While both roles focus on creative output, the Creative Director role emphasizes leadership, management, and strategic direction, whereas Art Director/Copywriter roles focus more on tactical execution and specific creative disciplines.
2. Industry-specific context: The role may require industry-specific knowledge or experience, depending on the client portfolio and market demands.
3. Career path comparison: The Creative Director role often serves as a stepping stone to executive-level positions, such as Creative Vice President or Chief Creative Officer, while Art Director/Copywriter roles may lead to specialized creative leadership or management roles.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its comparison to similar positions is essential for candidates to assess their fit and potential career growth opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Brand refresh campaign: Leading a team to rebrand an established client, including developing a new visual identity, tone of voice, and marketing strategy.
2. Product launch campaign: Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new product, including market research, positioning, and integrated marketing communications.
3. Social media content series: Creating a series of engaging social media content for a client, showcasing the brand's personality and driving user engagement.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the breadth and depth of creative challenges faced by a Creative Director, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. Role-specific questions:
* What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
* How does this role fit into the agency's long-term creative strategy?
* What are the most challenging client relationships, and how can I best support them?
2. Team and culture questions:
* How would you describe the creative team's dynamic and work style?
* What are the most important aspects of the company culture that make it unique?
* How does the agency support the professional growth and development of its creative team members?
3. Client and industry questions:
* What are the most pressing industry trends affecting our clients' businesses?
* How does the agency differentiate itself in the market, and what unique value do we bring to our clients?
* What are the most significant challenges facing our clients, and how can our creative work help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role, the agency, and the industry, and helps them better understand the expectations and requirements of the position.
📐 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the [Application URL](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mediabrands/jobs/4787235007).
2. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
3. Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your creative ability and leadership skills.
4. Practice presenting your creative ideas and be ready to discuss your thought process.
5. Research the company and its clients to demonstrate your understanding of their brand and industry.
6. Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after your interview to inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
